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We get it—navigating sweeteners can feel like decoding a science experiment. At Dray Drinks, we’re all about transparency and helping you feel confident in your choices, whether you're avoiding alcohol, sugar, or sketchy-sounding ingredients.

Artificial sweeteners pop up in everything from diet soda to protein bars—and yes, sometimes in non-alcoholic (NA) drinks too. But not all sweeteners are created equal. Some are lab-made, others are plant-based. Some people avoid them for health reasons, while others are simply chasing that perfect sip without the sugar crash.

So let’s break it all down: what’s in your NA drink, what to watch for, and which brands do it right.

What Counts as an Artificial Sweetener?

Artificial sweeteners are synthetic sugar substitutes that aim to provide sweetness without the calories. Common examples include sucralose (Splenda), aspartame, acesulfame potassium (Ace-K), and saccharin. They're widely used in soft drinks, processed foods, and yes, some NA beverages.

Then there are natural zero-calorie sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, and erythritol. While not technically “artificial,” they’re still highly processed and can be polarizing. Some people love them for blood sugar balance, others report aftertastes or digestive issues.

In general, if you’re looking to avoid artificial or alternative sweeteners entirely, it’s all about reading the fine print—or shopping with retailers (like us!) who do the homework for you.

Why Sweeteners Show Up in NA Drinks

Let’s be real—when you take alcohol out of a beverage, you lose not only the buzz, but a major source of body, mouthfeel, and flavor complexity. To make up for that, many NA brands add a little something sweet to round things out.

Sweeteners can help balance bitterness from botanicals, mellow out acidity, or just make a drink feel more “full.” That said, not every brand goes the sugar-free route. Some rely on fruit juice concentrates or cane sugar; others lean into stevia or monk fruit to keep calories low.

The result? A very wide spectrum of sweetness—from dry, crisp aperitifs to “how is this not soda?” RTDs. That’s why it helps to know what you’re looking for before you crack a can.

The Most Common Sweeteners Found in NA Drinks

Not all sweeteners are created equal—here are some of the most common types you might see on an NA drink label:

• Sucralose: Synthetic, calorie-free, 600x sweeter than sugar. Often used in sodas and “diet” products.
  

• Stevia: Plant-based and calorie-free, but can have a bitter aftertaste. Popular in health-focused bevs.
  

• Monk Fruit: Naturally sweet with no calories or carbs. Milder flavor than stevia; often blended with erythritol.
  

• Erythritol: A sugar alcohol that adds body and sweetness without spikes in blood sugar. May cause GI issues for some.
  

• Allulose: A newer sweetener that tastes like sugar with fewer calories, but can be tricky to digest in large amounts.

• Cane Sugar, Agave, Fruit Juice: Not artificial, but still count toward total and added sugars.
  
  

Each has its pros and cons, and the best one really depends on your personal preferences and body chemistry.

How to Avoid Artificial Sweeteners (If You Want To)

Look for “no added sweeteners” or “naturally sweetened” on labels: Many brands are proud to display this upfront.

Read the ingredient list carefully: If it ends in -ose, -ol, or sounds like it came from a lab, you’re probably in artificial territory.

Check the nutrition panel: Zero sugars and zero calories? Likely sweetened with stevia, sucralose, or similar.

Ask the brand or retailer: Transparency is queen. Don’t hesitate to email or DM the company.

Shop brands that prioritize clean, whole ingredients: (Hi, welcome to Dray 👋)

Brands That Keep It Clean

If you're looking to avoid artificial or alternative sweeteners, good news: there are plenty of brands doing it right. We’re proud to stock a range of NA drinks that either go completely unsweetened or use gentle, natural ingredients you can actually pronounce.

Figlia, for example, avoids added sugar and sweeteners entirely in their bold, bitter, botanical blends. Pentire focuses on clean, ocean-inspired spirits with no added sugar or sweeteners. Casamara Club is another favorite, crafting low-sugar sparkling amaro sodas with ingredients that sound like a garden, not a chemistry set.

Prefer a touch of sweetness? Brands like De Soi and Moment use fruit juice and botanicals to strike a gentle balance—no artificial stuff needed.

How Dray Drinks Curates Smart Sweetness

At Dray, we believe choice is power—and that includes knowing what’s sweetening your sip. That’s why we sample everything before it hits our shelves and curate based on transparency, quality, and taste. Whether you're avoiding sugar, artificial sweeteners, or both, we can point you to the perfect pour.

We carry a wide range of NA drinks made with no sweeteners at all, as well as low-sugar, low-calorie options that use ingredients you can feel good about. If you ever want to know exactly what’s in a drink, just ask—we’ll break it down without the jargon.

You can visit us at South End or Central Square, or browse our online collection where you can shop with dietary filters and taste preferences in mind.

Final Sip: Keep It Sweet (Or Not) on Your Terms

Everyone’s body is different. Some folks seek zero sugar for health reasons. Others steer clear of artificial ingredients. Some don’t mind a little fruit juice if it makes the drink hit just right. At Dray, we support all of it—because drinking better is about feeling better, too.

We’re here to help you explore options that are clean, creative, and totally aligned with your values—whatever sweetness level you’re after. So go ahead and sip what feels right. You deserve it.

This blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical or dietary advice. Always consult your doctor if you have health concerns related to sweeteners or sugar intake.